Lent 2026 - Living Bread - Spiritual Famine

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35   

During this season of reflections and renewal, join me in exploring the Bread of Life. When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Living Bread feeds, satisfies, and transforms us. Come on this journey and remember this True Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. John 6:13

Old Testament examples of God providing food for the hungry include provisions for famines affecting Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, famines in Egypt, famines in Canaan, famines in Jerusalem, famines of David, Elijah, and Zedekiah. God is the Great Provider. The prophet Amos warns about another famine, “The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord.” (Amos 8:11-13) As this mid-eighth century B.C. prophecy comes, God’s people are choosing to worship idols, practice dishonesty in the marketplace, and allow pride to erase their memory of a faithful God. God provides; they forget!

Today, as then, spiritual famine happens when we fail to recognize the presence of God in our daily moments, when we no longer find joy in serving God, when we forget God’s promises. Self-reliance and self-satisfaction take the place of depending on God. We choose the demons of boredom and anger and disappointment; they consume us, not feed us. Only the Bread of Life can provide the spiritual nourishment that renews hope, strengthens resolve, and conquers evil. People all around us are starving, sometimes even you and me. Remember – God provides!

Living Bread, My soul is starving for peace and joy and contentment, but I confess that I choose the junk-food of the world too often. Feed me real bread; “Lord, always give us this bread.” – dho

Focus Point: God provides; we forget!

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Christian blogger and author “Kindled Soul, Holy Fire” Lenten devotions/prayers

Lent 2026 - Living Bread - Nothing Wasted

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35             

                                                                  

During this season of reflections and renewal, join me in exploring the Bread of Life. When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Living Bread feeds, satisfies, and transforms us. Come on this journey and remember this True Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

“Now gather the leftovers,” Jesus told His disciples, “so that nothing is wasted.” There were only five barley loaves to start with, but twelve baskets were filled with the pieces of bread the people did not eat! John 6:12-13 NLT

The “Feeding of the 5,000”, the only miracle of Jesus recorded in all four Gospels, portrays Jesus as being able to not only provide what is needed, but give in abundance. Scripture identifies the 5,000 as men only, and scholars suggest that in counting the women and children, too, the number Jesus feeds in likely near 20,000. After eating until they are satisfied, twelve baskets of leftovers remain. God’s extravagance always exceeds our needs.

Blessings fall around us daily as God’s beauty and power in creation stuns our imaginations. Wonders of a simple sunset delight the senses, countless stars in another galaxy intrigue the mind, the vastness of the ocean celebrates the unknown. At the same time, homelessness and abuse and disease mock justice, alter perceptions, and shatter certainty deep within us. We question God. Sifting through our doubts and accusations, God gathers the leftovers, and His extravagant love exceeds our best hope!

Jesus, Holy One, the world paints pictures on my soul, some beautiful and some repulsive. To encounter Your goodness teaches me soul-satisfaction even in the middle of uncertainty. Collect my leftovers so that nothing is wasted. Hope of Glory, “Lord, always give us this bread.” – dho

*”Feeding of the 5,000”: John 6:1-15; Luke 9:1-17; Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Christian blogger and author “Kindled Soul, Holy Fire” Lenten devotions/prayers

Lent 2026 - Living Bread - Where Can We Buy Bread?

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35  

 During this season of reflections and renewal, join me in exploring the Bread of Life. When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Living Bread feeds, satisfies, and transforms us. Come on this journey and remember this True Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

Jesus saw a great crowd of people climbing the hill, looking for Him. Turning to Philip, He asked, “Philip, where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for [Jesus] already knew what He was going to do. John 6:5-6 NLT

From cities and towns, from Capernaum and Nain, from Gentile territory of Decapolis, from shore to shore of the Sea of Galilee, stories of healing miracles precede Jesus. Arriving at Bethsaida on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee and going up into the hills with the disciples, Jesus sees a great crowd of people following them. Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God and heals the broken. As the afternoon passes, Jesus asks Philip, “Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” Without much thought, the disciples reason there is no way to feed so many people. Only a small boy with 5 pieces of bread and 2 small fish can be found. Jesus gets the disciples to tell everyone to sit down; then, Jesus takes the bread and gives thanks and again with the fish. This food is distributed to the 5,000 men and women and children who eat until they are full. What is humanly impossible becomes miraculously possible with God!

In verse 11, the Greek word for gave thanks , eucharisteo, means to ‘be thankful, to express gratitude’ and almost always expresses thanksgiving to God. This word appears nearly 40 times in the New Testament, and by the second century, the word Eucharist becomes a common word to refer to the Lord’s Supper. In the blessing of the bread, Jesus feeds these hungry people. Today, the Bread of Life feeds our spiritual hunger. Again, that which is humanly impossible becomes divinely possible with God!

Lord, open my eyes; show me where I am spiritually malnourished. The need cries, “Lord, always give us this bread.” Feed me until I am full. Eucharisteo! – dho

Focus Point: What is humanly impossible becomes miraculously possible with God!

*”Feeding of the 5,000”: John 6:1-15; Luke 9:1-17; Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Christian blogger and author “Kindled Soul, Holy Fire” Lenten devotions/prayers

Lent 2026 - Living Bread - Season of Possibilities

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

During this season of reflections and renewal, join me in exploring the Bread of Life. When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Living Bread feeds, satisfies, and transforms us. Let’s come to the table and remember this True Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. Galatians 5:25 The Message

The heart of Lent, a spiritual tradition beginning in the 4^th century church, creates another opportunity for discipleship. Focusing on self-examination and selfless giving can realign the Believer’s worldview. A time of less busy, of simplicity, of renewed hunger for the Word, of seeing with new eyes can refresh the spirit. This season of spiritual renewal is not required in the Scriptures, but its possibilities can enrich living God’s way. In seeking the life of the Spirit, we recognize Jesus as the giver of our daily bread.

The world constantly bombards our minds with boredom and pride, grief and anger, ambition and regret. Daily the world summons fear and doubt and uncertainty. But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard – things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic, holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. (Galatians 5:22-23/The Message) When we truly encounter the Bread of Life, we will be transformed! The possibilities are endless.

Jesus, teacher and example ~ I long to live more like You! Stop the chaos inside my mind, still my hurried days, feed my hunger for more. “Lord, always give us this bread.” – dho

Focus Point: When we truly encounter the Bread of Life, we will be transformed!

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Christian blogger and author “Kindled Soul, Holy Fire” Lenten devotions/prayers

Ash Wednesday - Lent 2026

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

During this season of reflections and renewal, join me in exploring the Bread of Life. When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Living Bread feeds, satisfies, and transforms us. Come on this journey and remember this True Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3

In spiritual preparation to begin His ministry and after fasting forty days in the wilderness, Jesus is tired, weak, and hungry. Satan tempts Jesus. With each of the three temptations, Jesus rebukes the offer quoting Scripture from Deuteronomy. Led into the desert by the Holy Spirit, empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus shields Himself with God’s Holy Word. Spiritual warfare always desires to interrupt God’s plan.

As we begin our forty day journey to spiritual renewal, we, too, are surrounded by spiritual warfare, tempted to take short-cuts or feel important or avoid hardship. Sometimes in our weakness we choose temptation’s path only to become disappointed and disillusioned at its end. Jesus tells us, “I AM the bread of life.” Needing more than food to sustain us, we desperately need spiritual nourishment that can only come from Jesus. 

God Almighty, I kneel before You, resting my weariness, laying my frail attempts to succeed by my own efforts. Mark me a sinner, one who has failed but is willing to try again. Renew my starving spirit; let my prayer be, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 

– dho

Focus Point: Needing more than food to sustain us, we desperately need spiritual nourishment that can only come from Jesus. 

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Christian blogger and author “Kindled Soul, Holy Fire” Lenten devotions/prayers

Preparing for Easter - Lent 2026

Beginning this week on Ash Wednesday 2/18/26 and throughout the Lenten season, you can read devotions on my blog at Breathing Room For My Soul. Join me as we reflect and renew our personal relationship with Jesus. Please share this with your friends. The devotions will also be available on my blog’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BreathingRoomForMySoul . 

Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

This year the readings will explore the Living Bread and include topics on the “Bread of Life”, “Spiritual Famine”, “Soul Food”, “Bread of the Presence”, and “Daily Bread” to name a few.  When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Living Bread feeds, satisfies, and transforms us. Let’s take this journey together, as we individually come to the table and remember this Bread “is broken for you”. Pray with me, “Lord, always give us this bread.” John 6:34  ~ Donna Oswalt

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Christian blogger and author “Kindled Soul, Holy Fire” Lenten devotions/prayers

Shelter of His Wings

Let me live forever in Your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of Your wings! Psalm 61:4 (NLT)

Faithful Father,

You are our firm foundation, the Truth on which we build our lives. There are times when Your Glory shines from the snow covered mountain tops, from the sun-reflected oceans, from the starry night skies. There are times when Your Glory cannot be seen through foggy mornings, through stormy afternoons, through dark clouds. There are times when Your Glory seems lost in the empty silence, in the path-free wilderness, in the endless uncertainty. Yet, at all times You can find us. 

You are the unspoken beauty in everyday, the unseen in every hour, the unknown in every moment. Because You love us so unconditionally, You find us in all the unlikely places the world takes us. It is in the moment that You reach out for us, that we become aware of our needs. It is in the moment that we reach out for You, that we become aware of Your presence. In such holy moments, You hold us, wrap us in Truth and Light.

Lord, I pray my soul will never forget these holy moments. Faithful Father, You always find me where I am; You restore and renew my hope. Let me wait quietly for Your holy whispers. Amen. ~dho

Everything comes from Him; everything happens through Him, everything ends up in Him. Always glory! Always praise! Romans 11:36 The Message

*previously posted on Breathing Room For My Soul blog 2006/copyright/Donna Oswalt

Delight the Soul

If GOD hadn't been there for me,
I never would have made it.
The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling,"
Your love, GOD, took hold and held me fast.
When I was upset and beside myself,
You calmed me down and cheered me up.
Psalm 94:17-19 The Message NASB

When times of chaos and contradiction take control, the Christian has resources that non-believers do not. In fact, the believer finds the greatest solace in the goodness of God. Despite the fickle offerings of the world ~ hopelessness, doubt, bitterness, defeat, those who claim Christ as Lord can always know the everlasting gifts of peace and comfort. In His arms, in His Grace, we find a goodness in this Holy Love that exceeds the difficult, that soothes the ache, that calms the anxious thought. This is The Source that will always delight my soul. ~dho

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 NASB

A New Year… Endless Possibilities

Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it - not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives. 2 Corinthians 3:3 The Message 

What will 2026 bring? As this new year begins, each of us stands before new opportunities and beside endless possibilities. Uncertainties and unknowns lay waiting, too! So - how shall we live? Begin now to answer this question by reading God's word and seeking His response to you. Find your Scripture verse for this year; the Holy Spirit will lead you. Let it be your spiritual map for the year, a guide through the unknowns, an assurance for the journey, a rescue in a crisis, a witness to others along the way. In following Christ, we become living letters written by the Holy Spirit. This coming year, let's choose to live fully and love completely for the glory of God. ~dho

Merry Christmas!!

 May the Prince of Peace be your King of kings! 

Merry Christmas!

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, 
and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, ... 
He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, 
and His name is called The Word of God... 
And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, 
"KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
Revelation 19:11-16 NASB

Clothed with splendor and majesty, Christ will come again. Surrounded by angels, His glory will illumine space; there will be no more darkness. LORD OF LORDS, the title declaring Him Lord over all, reigns forever. Jesus Christ - the Light of the World, the Messiah, KING OF KINGS - now waits in Heaven until the holy appointed time. Jesus waits for us to call on His name, waits for us to cry out in need, waits for us to share His Love, waits for us to speak His name. 

Listen! Every day the Word of God quills the story of everlasting love and unfailing grace. Believe! Every day find Immanuel, God with us. Wait! Anticipate Advent every moment of your everyday. THIS is the Christmas Story! -dho